Tila Sandoval and Alfonso Jiménez Scholarship
Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and his wife Dr. Mariana Anagnostopoulos established this endowed scholarship in memory of Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval’s parents, Tila Sandoval and Alfonso Jiménez:
Tila Sandoval was born in Zacatecas, Mexico. She loved to sing, was an accomplished seamstress, and was a phenomenal cook -she made the best mole and her caldos were unmatched and brought comfort to all. Tila had a refined way of dealing with people: she was graceful, sure of herself, and a great conversationalist. She grew up on her family’s farm, and would tell stories about harvesting guavas. Her favorite stories dealt with harvesting the first
corn of the season –on the night before, she could hardly sleep with excitement. Tila had a sweet voice, and would often sing throughout the day. Though Tila had a radiant character about her and many commented on her striking green eyes, she was humble and kind. She had a full heart of love for her children: Martha Alicia, Miguel Angel, Luz Elena, Enedilia, Ana Rosa, Carmina, Alfonso, and Saúl. She was proud and filled with joy to be Mamá Tila and
Abuela to her 17 grandchildren. Tila arrived in the Fresno region in June of 1980, and lived in Fowler until her passing in 2010.
Alfonso Jiménez, known to his family as Papá Poncho, was a native of Zacatecas, Mexico, and had roots in the Fowler region since 1951. Alfonso had a great smile and strong work ethic. He married Tila Sandoval in 1953 and together they raised eight children. Tila and Alfonso celebrated 57 years of marriage. Alfonso had a great sense of humor, would sing mariachi songs to Tila and his children, and enjoyed the garden. He would harvest from his own garden: guavas, pitahayas, figs, tomatoes, peaches, eggplant, squash, and nopales for summer; tangerines, oranges and lemons for spring; and winter vegetables were his favorite crops. He was an accomplished baker as well –he never bought bread, but made his own wheat bread. He always manifested a deep sense of self-worth, and had an unmatched drive and thirst for life. He was deeply proud of his family and worked tirelessly in the fields to support and educate his children.